The Nevada County Youth Commission made recommendations to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday aimed at assisting young people with finding jobs, getting health supplies and access to the internet and housing.
Commissioners made recommendations on three focus areas:
- Youth Employment: Creating a centralized Youth Employment Hub on the County’s website to support teens entering the workforce.
- Teen Health: Implementing a pilot program to offer health supply resource boxes. The boxes would include grooming kits, first aid kits, toothbrushes, reproductive health supplies, and more.
- Accessibility:
- Expanding the Library’s mobile Wi-Fi hot spots from 200 to 225, including dedicated youth-specific hot spots.
- Inclusion of low-cost, youth-centric housing provisions in the County’s Housing Element, a state-required plan of how Nevada County will meet the housing needs of residents.
Youth Commission members will work with staff on implementing the recommendations.
“Our goals are simple,” said Graham Gardemeyer, chair of the Youth Commission. “To identify the issues that are relevant to young people here in Nevada County, to bridge the gap between our youth and the movers and shakers, the decision makers in our county government and to advocate for the changes needed to build a better future for all of Nevada County.”
Supervisors praised the commissioners for working to improve their community. “You’re opening up doors,” said Supervisor Sue Hoek. “Let’s keep walking through and making a positive impact.”
The commission is made up of youth ages 14-19 who live in or attend school in Nevada County.
On Tuesday, supervisors acknowledged outgoing Youth Commission members and welcomed returning and new members, who will begin their terms July 1.
Outgoing Youth Commission members are: Lillian Boey (one term and founder), Baelen Carson, Grant LaCosse (two terms), Ella Lee, Hunter Martin, Audrey Hayes, Maura Griffin (three terms), Luca Ricciardi, Estefania Gaitan Meza (two terms), Graham Gardemeyer (two terms and chair) and Randy Garcia (two terms).
Supervisors said they hope the youth will consider remaining in the area. “We need you,” said Supervisor Hardy Bullock. “We need your leadership and energy.”
Returning Youth Commission members are: Nicole Drummond, Rylee Rist, Elle Piland, Rachelle Zarate, Iratze Aguilar, Danielle Manifor and Jacklynn Anderson
New members are: Grahm Lawell, Azul Caratachea, Acacia Barnum, Ivy Wayman, Connor Brown, Violet Johnson, Ella Miller, Demitra Van Vacas Gagnon, Tyden Shupe, Nathan Van Bemmel and JT Stehmeyer.
Learn more at www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/YouthCommission.